Control for tool storage matrix, using individual re-settable code data registers



March 16, 1965 M. ANTHONY 3,173,204

CONTROL FOR TOOL STORAGE MATRIX, USING INDIVIDUAL RE-SETTABLE CODE DATAREGISTERS Filed May 23. 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 mmvron MYRON L. ANTHONY II-E gs- March 16, 1965 M. L. ANTHONY CONTROL FOR TOOL STORAGE MATRIX,USING INDIVIDUAL RE-SETTABLE CODE DATA REGISTERS Filed May 23. 1961 3Sheets-Sheet 3 ZOIA (EMA DATA 5 $1222 11:- 7 mmsuucaa 2'55 2.53 23 1 I\I $233; gg #Sfi LO 20\B Z/HB STORE.

DATA TRANSDUCER s-roae L DATA \MPUT I l STEPHNG BM ZOlC 253 254- MANUALMANUAL TRANSDUCER CONTROL INVENTOR- MYRON LANTHQNY l BY 25% vvsum. WD\SP\.AY 7

United States Patent savages OONTRGL FOR TQUL STGRAGE MATRIX,

USING INDIVIDUAL RE-SETTABLE CQDE DATA REGISTERS Myron L. Anthony, LaGrange, Ill, assignor to Scull Anthony Corporation, La Grange, 111., acorporation of Elinois Filed Iliay 23, 1961, Ser. No. 111,973 14tjiaims. (Cl. 29-568) This invention relates to a new and improved'tooltransfer system for machine tools, and particularly to new and improvedcoded identification devices and code sensing apparatus for tooltransfer systems.

Increasing emphasis upon automation of machine tool operations hasresulted in the development of several systems for controlling thetransfer of individual tools, in a machine tool, from a storage stationto a Work station and back to the storage station. One such systemprovides for programming and control in accordance with the physicallocation of the individual tools in a tool matrix. Tools are removedfrom the matrix in a predetermined order, tool identification beingbased upon the tool position in the matrix; each tool must be returnedto its original matrix position. Another system used heretofore providesfor random storage of individually coded tools in a tool matrix orstorage station. This system is more sophisticated than theposition-code system and results in more flexible machine operation. Inthis system, each tool or toolholder is directly encoded with dataidentifying the tool, and means are provided to enable the machine torecognize and locate the desired tool independently of its position inthe tool matrix. The tool changing cycle may be relatively simplebecause it is only necessary to interchange the tool at the work stationwith the next required tool in the matrix.

Yet another data control system for machine tools utilizes a pluralityof individual code members each hearing code indicia identifying anindividual tool. Means are provided for removably mounting theindividual code members at a tool storage station in association withthe respective tools that they identify. The system includes means forsensing the code indicia on the code members at the storage station;control means, coupled to the sensing means, are employed to actuate thetool transfer meansto transfer preselected tools from the storagestation to the work station and back to the storage station. Thiscontrol means includes means for storing data identifying the tool whileit is separated from its code member, thereby enabling the control meansto restore each tool to a position, in the storage station, in which itis associated with the correct code member. This system is described indetail in the co-pending application of Myron L. Anthony, Serial No.79,272, filed December 29, 1960.

In a tool identification system that provides for random storage, withcode data carried by each individual toolholder, the cost of thetoolholders becomes relatively'high. Furthermore, mounting of the codeelements utilized to encode the toolholders may present a substantialproblem, which may be intensified when it is desired to re-use the sametoolholder and, accordingly, to change the code data carried by thetoolholder. The key code system set forth in general terms hereinaboveavoids these difficulties but does not provide for completely randomreplacement of tools in the tool matrix, unless some provision is madefor storing the code key or other code element at some point displacedfrom the tool matrix while the associated tool is in use.

It is a principal object of the present invention, therefore, to providea new and improved data control system of the random access type whicheffectively eliminates the dificulties and problems presented by priorart systems as 3,173,204 Patented Mar. 16, 1-965 ice noted hereinabove.A related object of the invention is to provide a new and improvedrandom access data control system, for a machine tool, in which toolidentification data can be easily' and conveniently set up by themachine tool operator.

A particular object of the invention is to provide a high capacity toolcoding system, having a relatively high storage density, which does notrequire the use of expensive toolholders and which avoids anysubstantial increase inthe criticality of tolerances permissible in thetool storage matrix of the machine.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved toolidentification system adaptable to use with a wide variety of differentkinds of recording and sensing apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to permit the loading of new toolsinto a tool storage matrix, in a machine tool, near the end of a givenmachining operation, without interfering with the completion of themachining opera tion.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a data control systemfor a machine of the kind comprising a tool storage station for storinga plurality of tools, a work station, and tool transfer means fortransferring tools between those stations. The data control systemcomprises a plurality of individual record members that are associatedwith respective tool storage locations in the storage station. Eachrecord member affords a record medium for registering code dataidentifying an individual tool. Sensing means are provided for sensingthe code data recorded on the record members. Means are also providedfor clearing the code data from a record member upon removal of theassociated tool from the storage station. The code data identifying atool are stored in a separate data storage means as long as the tool isseparated from the tool storage station. The system also includes means,coupled to the aforementioned data storage means, for automaticallyrecording the identifying code data for a given tool on one of therecord members upon transfer of the tool to the storage location in thestorage station that is associated with that record member. Controlmeans are also provided for actuating the transfer means of the machineto transfer selected tools between the storage and work stations, andthese control means are coupled to and controlled by the aforementionedsensing means.

Other and further objects of the present invention will be apparent fromthe following description and claims and are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings which, by way of illustration, show preferredembodiments of the present invention and the principles thereof and whatis now considered to be the best mode contemplated for applying theseprinciples, Other embodiments of the invention embodying the same orequivalent principles may be used and structural changes may be made asdesired by those skilled in the art without departing from the presentinvention and the purview of the appended claims.

In the drawings: 1 I

FIG. 1 is a simplified front elevation view of a tooltransfer system fora machine tool in which the present invention is incorporated; H

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the tool transfer system illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detail elevation view illustrating a record member andassociated sensing head utilized in a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a detail sectional view of the sensing head" ance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a simplified elevation view of a different tool transfersystem which incorporates a further embodiment of the present invention;and

FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of an electrical control system forthe tool transfer apparatus illustrated in FIG. 6.

FIGS. -1 and 2 illustrate, in simplified form, a tool transfer systemfor an automatically controlled machine tool 20. In general, the systemcomprises a tool storage means 21, a work station 22, and tool transfermeans 23 for transferring tools between the workstation 22 and thestorage station 21. The construction of the work station 22, thetransfer mechanism 23, and the individual tool receptacles of the toolstorage station 21 are not critical with respect ito the presentinvention; accordingly, these portions of the machine are not describedin detail herein.

The'toolstorage station 21 comprises a tool matrix 24 that is mountedforrotation upon a shaft generally indicated at 25. The tool matrix 24includes a base plate upon which a plurality of individual toolholdercartridges or'receptacles 27 are mounted. In the illustratedconstruction, there areeight of the individual toolholder cartridges 27.Itshould be understood, however, that any desirable number of cartridgesor holding devices, comparable to the receptacles 27, may be included inthe toolholder matrix 24, depending upon the capacity desired for themachine tool 20. Each of the receptacles includes a suitable clamp orother holding device capable of releasably mounting a toolholder in thematrix 24.

The transfer mechanism 23 comprises a transfer arm 41 mounted forrotation upon a shaft 42. The arm '41. carries a first clamp 43 at oneend thereof. A second clamp'47 is included in the transfer armstructure, at the opposite end of the arm, both clamps being shown inopen position. The transfer mechanism 23 may further include means (notillustrated) mounted on the transfer arm 41 for latching each of theclamps 43 and 47 in closed position, to hold a toolholder in the clamp.Suitable sensing switches or similar devices may be used to determinethe operating condition of the transfer clamps 43 and 47, being mountedon the transfer arm 41.

The work stat-ion 22 of the machine illustrated in-FIGS. 1 and 2 may begenerally conventional in construction. This portion of the systemcomprises a chuck 68, mounted on a suitable spindle, for mounting atoolholder in working position. A toolholder 69 is shown mounted in thecuhck in FIGS. 1 and 2. Means areprovided for rotating the spindle andchuck 68 and for moving the chuck axially, in the course of a machiningoperation, as indicated by the arrows A in FIG. 2. Inasmuch as themechanism for advancing and retracting the chuck 68 and for driving thechuck and spindle rotationally, during a machining operation, may beconventional and does not comprise a part of the present invention, thedetails of this mechanism are not illustrated in the drawings. It willalso be recognized that other conventional parts of the machine toolsuch as a movable table for the work, etc., have been omitted from thedrawing to simplify the same.

In considering the operation of the system illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2,it may first be assumed that the transfer arm 41 is located in the homeposition shownin FIG. 1 with both of the jaws 43 and 47 open andempty.Furthermore,.it may be assumed that a toolholder 70 is clamped mthecartridge 27A at the transfer location of the storage station 21, andthat this particular tool is the one desired for. use during the nextoperating cycle of the machine. In addition, it may be assumed thatspindle 68 is in its tooltransfer position. Under these conditions, thetransfer arm 41 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction to bring theopen jaw 43 into alignment with the toolholder mounted in the receptacle27A. The position of the transfer arm 41, atthis time, is generallyindicated by the dash line 41A. As illustrated in FIG. 1, when thetransfer arm 41 is in the position 41A, the other clamp 47 on thetransfer arm engages the toolholder 69 that is mounted in the spindlechuck 68.

When the transfer arm 41 has been moved to the position 41A, theclamping devices 43 and 47 are actuated to grip the toolholders 70 and69 respectively. Subsequently, the toolholder 70 is released from thecartridge or clamp 27A; at the same time, the toolholder 69 is releasedfrom the chuck 68. To remove the toolholders 69 and 70 from the chuckand from the storage matrix, respectively, it may be necessary to impartsome auxiliary motion of the transfer arm 41. Thus, and as in one knownsystem, the transfer arm 41 may be moved outwardly of the storage matrixand the spindle chuck to extract the toolholders from engagement withthe spindle chuck and the matrix. On the other hand, a uniplanar systemmay be utilized if the spindle chuck and the toolholder receptacles inthe storage matrix are constructed to afford this kind of operation.

After the toolholders 69 and 70 are released, the transfer arm 41 isrotated further to a position displaced from that indicated by the dashoutline 41A. This brings the toolholder '70 into alignment with thechuck 68 and also disposes the toolholder 69 in alignment with thereceptacle at the transfer location 27A in the storage matrix 24.The'toolholder 70 is then engaged in the chuck 68 and the tool 69 ismounted in the receptacle 27A. This action may entail a return auxiliarymovement of the transfer arm 41 toward the storage matrix 24 and thespindle chuck 68. The clamps 43 and 74 are then released and thetransfer arm 41 is returned to its initial or home position as shown insolid lines in FIG. 1, being held in this position awaiting the nexttool transfer cycle.

Insofar as the present invention is concerned, it is by no meansessential that the transfer mechanism and the operating cycle describedhereinabove be followed in detail. Rather, the invention is applicableto tool transfer apparatus of substantially different constructionoperated in accordance with quite diiferent cycles or sequences, as ismade apparent in the description of the mechanisms of FIGS. 6 and '7setforth hereinafter.

In the operation of the tool transfer system of the machine 20, it isnecessary to provide a means for identifying the tools or toolholdersto'be removed from the matrix 24. It is also necessary to provide somemeans for maintaining identification of a tool while it is disposed atthe work station 22 and for again establishing the identity of the toolwhen-it is returned to the matrix 24 after use. This is particularlytrue where a given tool may be used two or more times in -a course of arelatively complexmachiningoperation. The present invention is directedto an identification and control system used for these purposes.

In addition to tool or toolholder receptacles such as the devices 27,the tool storage station or matrix 24 is provided-with a plurality ofindividual record members 101 that are associated with the individualtool storage locations established by the receptacles 27. Each of therecord members 101 affords a recording medium for registering code dataidentifying an individual tool in the storage station 21. Furthermore,these record members, in accordance with the present invention, are of akind which can be readily set or recorded in accordance withpredetermined code data and which may also be easily and convenientlycleared of such code data to permit the recording of different toolidentification data therein. In the embodiment'of FIGS. 1-5, magneticrecord members are employed although, as willbe apparent from thedescription set forth hereinafter, mechanical or other data registerscould be utilized.

The construction of the-individualrecord members 101 is quite simple andis best shown in FIGS. 3 and '4. As illustrated therein, each of therecord members 101 comprises'a support member 102 that is afiixed to abase 103. The base 103 is secured to the reverse side 104 of the toolmatrix 24- in predetermined alignment with respect to the associated oneof the toolholder receptacles 27 (see FIGS. 1 and 3). Any suitable meansmay be utilized to mount the base portion 163 of the record member 1111on the matrix base plate, the screws 105 being used for this purpose inthe arrangement shown in FIG. 3.

The support member 101 may be of unitary construction and is preferablya relatively rugged structure. The inner face 1% of the support memberis of curved configuration, the curvature corresponding substantially toa circular arc the center of which is the axis of the matrix shaft 25(FIG. 1). This curved inner surface 105 carries a plurality ofindividual bands or track 197 of iron oxide or other suitablemagnetizable material. The support member 102 should not be formed froma magnetic material, in this instance, but rather should comprise anonmagnetic element. For example, the support member 102 could befabricated from non-magnetic stainless steel or any other suitablematerial. In the construction illus trated in FIG. 3, there are sixteenindividual recording tracks 107, affording a total of over 65,000 binarycode combinations for tool identification purposes.

FIGS. 3 and 4 also illustrate a transducer head 111 that is employed torecord information on the magnetizable tracks 1157 of the record member1111. The transducer 111 includes means to erase previously recordeddata from the record member 101, thereby clearing the record member forsubsequent recording operation. The transducer further includes means tosense data recorded on the tracks 101 without changing the magneticstate of the individual tracks or bands 107. The transducer 111 isrelatively simple in construction and comprises a plurality ofindividual magnetic core members 112 of substantially U-shapedconfiguration. There is one of the core members 112 for each of theindividual recording tracks or bands 107 on the record member 101. Aseries of electrical windings are provided on each of the magnetic cores112 as, for example, the windings 113, 114 and 115 shown in FIG. 4. Inthe following discussion, the winding 113 is identified as the recordingwinding, the winding 114 comprises the sensing coil, and the winding 115is the erasing winding for the transducer section comprising the core112. Each of the cores 112 is provided with a corresponding set ofwindings, which are employed in essentially the same manner as thewindings of a transducer in a. magnetic tape or magnetic drum recordingdevice. Preferably, the entire transducer assembly 111 is enclosed in anelectrical insulating material 116, the cores and coils being embeddedtherein. The enclosing material 116 may comprise an epoxy resin or othersuitable dielectric material.

The electrical control system for the embodiment of P163. 1-4 isillustrated in FIG. 5. As shown therein, each of the individual windings113-115 of the transducer head 111 is connected to an actuation andcontrol circuit unit 121. Only one winding of each group is illustrated.The control circuit 121, in turn, is connected to a pair of storageregisters 131 and 132. The control unit 121 includes suitable relays orother switching devices for conmeeting the individual windings 13 and114 of the transducer head 111 to the data storage registers 131 and 132in accordance with a predetermined subroutine or program sequence asdescribed in further detail hereinafter. For the present, it should benoted that the switching circuits in the control unit 121 must becapable of connecting all of the windings 113 to either of the datastorage units to eil'ect a recording operation and must also be capableof connecting all of the windings 114 to either of the data storagedevices to permit the sensing and recording of data from the recordmember 101A in the data storage registers. The control circuit 121 alsoincludes switching means for connecting the erasing windings 115 of thetransducer head 111 to a suitable AC. signal source identitled in FIG. 5as the erase signal source 133.

The two data storage circuits 131 and 132 are coupled to a data storagecontrol circuit 134. The data storage control circuit 134- is connectedto a reset circuit 13-5. The reset circuit is employed to clear the datastorage means comprising the registers 131 and 132, as describedhereinafter; accordingly, suitable electrical connections are providedfrom the reset circuit 136 to the two storage units 131 and 132. Thedata storage control circuit 134 is also provided with an additionalinput circuit that is connected to a coincidence logic unit to afford ameans for controlling selective operation of the two data storagedevices.

The coincidence logic circuit 135 is provided with two input circuits,the logic device being employed to compare two sets of toolidentification data as explained in detail hereinafter. The first inputcircuit is connected to the sensing windings 114 of the transducer head111. The other input circuit for the coincidence logic 135 is coupled toa new-tool storage register 137. The storage register 137, in turn, iscoupled to the output of a data input device 138. The device 138 maycomprise any suitable programming control apparatus such as, forinstance, a tape reader or the like. The data input device 138 is alsocoupled to the transducer actuation and con trol unit 121 and to a driveapparatus 139. The drive apparatus 139 may comprise a conventionalstepping drive or other suitable forms of drive mechanism, such as aservo positioning motor or the like. The drive 139 is utilized to rotatethe tool matrix 24, being connected thereto by the shaft 25. The outputof the coincidence logic circuit 135, in addition to the connection tothe control circuit 134, is coupled to a tool transfer control circuit14-1. The tool transfer control unit 141 may comprise a series ofstepping switches or other subroutine control devices and is employed todrive the transfer arm 41 through the control cycle describedhereinabove. The tool transfer control unit 141 includes sensingswitches, incorporated in the transfer arm 41 and other parts of themachine tool, employed to determine engagement of the transfer arm withthe tooiholder, latching of the clamps 43 and 47, and release of thetoolholder clamps, as referred to generally hereinabove. The tooltransfer control unit 141 is also connected to the transducer actuationcircuit 121 and to the stepping drive 139 and is uti lized, in part, tocontrol operation of these two units. The connection from the tooltransfer control unit 141 to the devices 121 and 139 may be eithermechanical or electrical.

The control system illustrated in FIG. 5 further com prises a manualtransducer 143 which may be essentially similar in construction to thetransducer head 111 and includes at least recording and erasing windingssimilar to the windings 113 and 115 of the main transducer head. Inaddition, the manual transducer 143 is preferably provided with asensing winding or windings corresponding to the sensing windings 114 ofthe transducer head 111. Like the transducer head 111, the manualtransducer 143 is mounted upon the frame member 35 beyond the rotatabletool storage matrix 24 as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, thetransducer head 143 establishes a manual recording station at which datamay be recorded upon or erased from the record members 101. Thetransducer head 143 is connected to a manual recording unit 144 that isemployed to control the erasing and recording operations. The recordingunit 144 maybe connected to the same'source of erasing. signal, thecircuit 133, as i employed in connection with the transducer head 111(see FIG. 5). In addition, the recording unit 14- includes a pluralityof manually settable control switches 145 for controlling the recordingof coded tool identification data on the record members 101. Typically,the switches 145 may be of the kind which are effective automatically totranslate decimal data to binary data. Inasmuch as devices of this kindare commercially available, the construction of the switches or similartranslator elements 145 used to control the manual recording of codedata is not set forth in detail herein.

In addition, the transducer head 143 may be connected to a visualreadout device 146 which, like the recording unit 144, may be mounted onthe frame member 35 (see FIG. 1). The device 145 may comprise aplurality of individual numerical display units 147. The internalcircuitry of the display unit 146 would preferably include suitabletranslation circuits for translating the binary code data sensed by thetransducer 143 from the recorded data on the members 101 into the morereadily understood decimal form. For example, the operating circuits ofthe display unit 146 may be of the general kind described in theco-pending application of Myron L. Anthony, Serial No. 36,311, fiiedJune 15, 1960, and now Patent No. 3,103,006.

In considering the operation of the tool changing and control system ofFIGS. 1-5, with particular reference to the control circuit of FIG. 5,the first matter to be considered relates to the mounting of theindividual tools in the storage matrix 24. The tools are inserted in thereceptacles 27 on the matrix 24 on an individual basis. Each time a toolis mounted in the matrix, an empty receptacle is first brought to theposition 2713 wherein its record member 101 is aligned with the manualtransducer 143. This position is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5 with therecord member position being identified by the reference numeral 101B.The corresponding loading position for the toolholder receptacle isidentified by the character 27B.

The tools, as received from the toolroom, carry with them some form ofcode identification. This may comprise a card or slip secured to thetool or toolholder or may comprise a legend marked on the toolholder.The tool is inserted in the receptacle at the position 2713. The machineoperator then sets up the accompanying code data on the manual switchesor other setting devices 145. The manual recording unit 144 is thenenergized to record this code data, identifying the tool that has beeninserted in the matrix, on the corresponding recording member at theposition 1013. This is accomplished using the manual recordingtransducer 143. The erasing windings of the manual transducer 143 may beenergized prior to the recording operation in order to clear anyresidual code data in the magnetic recording tracks or hands on therecord member.

After the first tool has been loaded in the receptacle at the position27B, and the identifying code data have been recorded on the associatedrecord member, the matrix 24 is jogged to the next position. This maybring an empty toolholder cartridge to the position 27B or it may bringa full toolholder receptacle to this position. In any event, and asdescribed hereinabove, the next tool is mounted in the matrix atposition 27B, after emptying the receptacle if necessary. The associatedrecord member 101 is then cleared or erased and the new code data forthe second tool are recorded on the code member by means of the manualrecording unit 144 and the transducer 143. The same procedure isfollowed for as many as tools as are necessary for the next sequence ofmachine operations. It should be noted that no relation need bemaintained between the order in which the tools are mounted in thematrix 24 and the sequence in which they are to be employed in machiningoperations.

During the time that the tools are being loaded in the matrix 24 theremainder of the control circuits illustrated in FIG. 5 need not be inoperation. On the other hand, they may be engaged in the control of thefinal stages in a previous machining operation, as long as none of thetool required for the preceding operation are removed in the course ofthe location of any tools in the matrix 24. That is, the new tools canbe mounted in the matrix despite the fact that a previous machiningoperation is still in progress, since the machine will not use any ofthe new tools by mistake, as will be apparent from the description ofcontrol operations set forth hereinafter.

With the tools loaded in the matrix 24, the machine is placed inoperation. Data supplied to the data input unit 138, in a form ofpunched tape, punched cards, magnetic tape, or the like, may require themounting of a particular tool in the spindle 68 at the work station 22(see FIG. 1). Referring again to FIG. 5, the tool change signal outputfrom the circuit 138 energizes the stepping drive 139 for the toolmatrix 24 and at the same time conditions the actuation and controlcircuit unit 121 for a sensing operation. In addition, the data inputdevice 133 supplies coded tool identification data for the desired toolto the new tool storage circuit 137. The transducer actuation andcontrol circuit 121 selects one of the two storage units 131 and 132 foruse in succeeding operations in this tool change cycle. It is assumedhereinafter that the data storage unit 131 has been selected for thisoperation.

With the stepping drive 139 in operation, the matrix 24 is rotated toposition the toolholder receptacles 27 sequentially at the transfer andsensing position 27A. Each time a new toolholder cartridge is brought tothe position 27A, it remains there for a relatively short period oftime. During this period, the record member at the position 1101A isaligned with the transducer head 111. At this time, the code datacarried by the record member are sensed, by means of the sensingwindings 114 of the transducer head 111. These code data are recorded inthe data storage unit 131 and are also supplied to the coincidence logiccircuit 135.

In the coincidence logic circuit 135, the code data from the recordmember 101 at the position 101A are compared with the new toolidentification data previously recorded in the storage circuit 137. Itmay happen that the first tool brought to the position 27A is thedesired tool. It may be assumed, however, that the two groups of codedata do not coincide on the first sensing operation; that is, the firsttool positioned at the sensing location by the stepping drive 139 is notthe desired tool. This being the case, the reset circuit 136 clears therecorded data from the storage circuit 131. The stepping drive 133continues in operation, bringing a second tool to the sensing andtransfer location 27A. The search continues in this manner, with thedata storage unit 131 being cleared after each comparison operation ofthe coincidence logic circuit 135, as long as the desired tool is notlocated.

When the sought-for tool is positioned at the transfer location 27A, therecorded data on the associated record member 101 matches thatpreviously recorded in the new tool storage unit 1137. Consequently, inthe comparison operation the coincidence logic circuit 135 determinesthat the desired tool has been located, this determination being basedupon comparison of the signals from the sensing windings 114 with therecorded data in the storage circuit 137. The coincidence logic circuit135 then produces an output signal indicating that the desired tool hasbeen located, this signal being supplied to the tool transfer controlunit 141 and to the data storage control circuit 134. The data storagecontrol circuit, in turn, operates to inhibit the reset circuit 136,preventing clearing of the sensed data, from the tool member 101, thathas been recorded in the storage unit 131 simultaneously with theapplication of the sensed code signals to the coincidence logic circuit135. Thus, the code data identifying the correct tool, which is now tobe transferred to the work station of the machine, remains in storage inthe data storage circuit 131.

The coincidence signal from the logic circuit 135 actuates the tooltransfer control circuit 141, which in turn interrupts operation of thestepping drive 139. That is, the tool transfer control unit preventsfurther searching movement of the matrix, by the stepping drive 139,through its connection to the matrix 134. The transfer control unit 141also supplies a suitable actuating signal to the transducer actuationand control apparatus 121 to interrupt the sensing operation of thetransducer head 111. Furthermore, the tool transfer control circuit 141initiates a tool transfer operation, controlling the actions of the tooltransfer arm 41 to carry out the sequence of steps described in detailhereinabove. In addition, the actuation and control circuit 121 operatesto energize the erasing windings 115 of the transducer head 111 to erasethe recorded data from the record member 191 presently located at thesensing station 101A.

Upon completion of the tool transfer operation, a machine operation isinitiated under control of the data input circuit 133. Since thisportion of the machine control is immaterial with respect to the presentinvention, the control apparatus and related devices are not illustratedor described herein.

Subsequently, the data input device 138 initiates the search for a newtool to be used in a further machining operation. Again, the steppingdrive 339 is initiated and the actuation and control circuit 121 isconditioned to effect a sensing operation, using the transducer head 111as before. In this instance, however, the circuit 121 connects thesensing windings of the transducer head to the H second data storageunit 132 instead of the initial data storage unit 131. In this cycle ofthe search, as before, the data sensed on the record member positionedat the sensing station 191A is recorded in the data storage unit 132.The sensed data are also supplied to the coincidence logic circuit 135for comparison with the new tool identification data recorded in thecircuit 137 from the data input device 133. When coincidence is found,indicating the location of the desired new tool, the search operation isinterrupted as described hereinabove. That is, the stepping rive 139 isinterrupted in its operation, the sensing operation is discontinued, anda tool transfer operation is initiated. Moreover, the data storagecontrol unit 134 is actuated to prevent clearing of the data identifyingthe new tool from the storage circuit 132. In this instance, thetransfer operation entails the replacement of the old tool in the matrix24 as well as the transfer of a new tool to the work station 22 (seeFIG. 1).

With the exchange completed, the old tool is mounted in the receptacleat the position 27A that has been vacated in the course of the sametransfer process. Upon completion of the transfer operation, anactuating signal is supplied from the transfer control unit 141 to thetransducer actuation and control circuit 121. The circuit 121 operatesto energize the recording windings113 of the transducer head 111,recording the data from the storage unit 131 on the record member 1%)1at the position 161A. This completes the identification cycle, since thetool used in the first operation has now been restored to the matrix 24and its identifying data is again recorded on the record memberassociated with the receptacle in which the tool has been deposited. Thenext cycle of operation repeats the same sequence of steps except thatthe sensed data are agm'n recorded in the storage unit 131, which iscleared by the reset circuit 136 following recording of the datatherefrom on the record member as set forth immediately hereinabove. Itis seen therefore, that the identification of a tool is alwaysmaintained but that the tool may be replaced at any empty position inthe matrix 24, after use, thereby affording a true random access system.

From the foregoing description, it is apparent that the system of thepresent invention affords all of the flexibility of a true random accesssystem without requiring any modification of the toolholders themselves.In fact, the record members 181 that carry the principal burden of toolidentification are quite simple and inexpensive. Moreover, because theyare mounted in fixed positions in the matrix, the system does notpresent any substantial problems with respect to maintenance of criticaltolerances on parts carrying code data. That is, because the members 1%1are securely mounted on the matrix, it is a relatively simple matter tomaintain them in accurate alignment with the immediately related controlapparatus comprising the transducer heads 111 and 143. On the otherhand, there is no necessity for or use of permanently encoded recordmembers; the code data is easily set up by a machine operator at thetime that the tools are installed in the machine. In this regard, itshould be noted that the visual indicator device 146 affords aconvenient and effective means permitting the operator to check the codedata recorded with respect to any tool at the time that the tool ismounted in the storage matrix of the tool storage station 21. Thedescribed system comprises a magnetic storage arrangement, but couldprovide for storage of code data in the form of resettable plungers orother mechanical elements. Furthermore, instead of utilizing magneticsensing, as described hereinabove, the data could be stored magneticallyin elements such as magnetic core storage devices, in which case thesensing apparatus may comprise means aifording direct electricalconnections to the individual stages of the record members.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a modification of the present invention basedupon and incorporated in a different kind of tool transfer apparatus.FIG. 6 illustrates, in simplified form, a tool transfer system for amachine tool 229. In this instance, the system comprises a tool storagematrix 221, a work station 222, and a transfer device 223 that isemployed to transfer tools between the work station 222 and the storagematrix 221. The tool storage matrix 221 is generally similar to thestorage means 21, described hereinabove in connection with FIG. 1. Itcomprises a tool matrix 22 2 upon which a plurality of individualtoolholder cartridges 2.27 are mounted. In this instance, the toolholder cartridges 227 are constructed in a form which permits theinsertion of a toolholder and the removal of a toolholder by movementthereof in a plane parallel to the surface of the toolholder matrix 224.Thus, the system illustrated in FIG. 6 provides for uniplanar toolchanging operation and corresponds to the system described and claimedin the co pending application of James A. Stark, Serial No. 86,148,filed January 31, 1961. The Work station 222, on the other hand, isprovided with an operating chuck 268 that is also capable of receivingand mounting a toolholder Without requiring displacement of thetoolholder from a fixed plane of movement coincident with the surface ofthe toolholder matrix 224. The chuck and the particular toolholderconstruction used in conjunction therewith may be of the type describedand claimed in the coending application of James A. Stark, Serial No.43,097, filed July 15, 1960.

The transfer mechanism 223, in this embodiment of the invention,comprises a transfer arm 241 that is mounted for rotation upon a shaft242. The transfer arm 241 is provided with two oppositely facedtoolholder clamps 24-3 and 247. Both of the clamps or jaws 243 and 247areshown in open empty condition. The transfer mechanism also includesmeans for latching the two jaws, independently of each other, to grip atoolholder for transfer between the work station and the tool storagestation. Suitable sensing switches are also incorporated in the transfermechanism to determine when the jaws 243 and 2 :7 are open and closedand also to afford a positive indication as to the presence of atoolholder in either of the jaws.

The sequence of operations in the transfer of tools from the station 221to the station 222 and back is substantially different than in thepreviously described embodiment of the invention. In a given tool changeoperation, the transfer arm 241 may start from the home positionillustrated in FIG. 6. To pick up a new tool, the transfer arm isrotated in a clockwise direction to engage a toolholder in thereceptacle located at the position 227A. When the toolholder is grippedin the jaw 243, the receptacle on the storage matrix is released fromengagement with the toolholder and the new tool is removed from thestorage matrix by counterclockwise rotation of the transfer arm 241.Usually, the transfer arm is moved to a storage location which maycoincide with the home i 1 position illustrated in FIG. 6 and remainsthere until a signal is received indicating that the new tool should bedeposited in the chuck 268 at the work station 222.

In the actual exchange of tools, the arm 241 rotates further in acounterclockwise direction until the jaw 247 engagesa tool 269 held inthe spindle chuck 268. When the jaw 247 has been latched in engagementwith the old tool, the tool or toolholder is released by the chuck; 268and the arm 241 continues counterclockwise rotation through a relativelyshort distance until the new tool or toolholder held in the jaw 243 isaligned with the spindle chuck. The chuck is then actuated to grip thenew tool and the jaw 243 is released. The arm 241 then continues itscounterclockwise rotation to a position free of the spindle chuck. Forexample, the arm 241 may at this point be rotated to a positiondisplaced 180 for that shown in FIG. 6.

To replace the old tool in the storage matrix, an empty receptacle isaligned with a second transfer position 227B. The transfer arm 241 isthen rotated in counterclockwise direction to bring the old tool held inthe jaw 247 into alignment with the empty tool cartridge. When this isaccomplished, the receptacle or cartridge at the position 227B isactuated to clamp the old tool and the jaw 247 on the transfer arm isopened. Thereafter, the transfer arm 241 is rotated in a clockwisedirection to an alternate home position 180 displaced from the positionshown in FIG. 6. On the next tool cycle, the same sequence of steps isrepeated except that the new tool is picked up from the matrix at thetransfer position 2278 and, ultimately, the old tool is replaced in thestorage matrix at the position 227A. Thus, the cycle is directlyreversed. This dual-cycle operation, using two transfer stations, isdescribed in the co-pending application of Myron L. Anthony, Serial No.79,272 filed December 29, 1960.

From the foreging description, it is apparent that the system of FIG. 6utilizes two diiferent transfer stations, these being the stations 227Aand 227B. For this reason, it is necessary to incorporate tworead-write-erase stations in the control system for the machine. Thus,in this instance, two independent transducer heads 211A and 211B areemployed. The devices 211A and 211B may be essentially similar to thetransducer 111 described hereinabove. Each is positioned to record datain and to sense data from a record member that is associated with eachof the toolholder receptacles 27. That is, the system of FIG. 6 includesa plurality of record members 201 that may be essentially similar to therecord members 101 described in detail in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4..The transducer 211A is aligned with a record member at the position201A corresponding to the transfer position 227A. The transducer head2113 is aligned with a record member associated with the toolholderreceptacle instantaneously located at the second transfer position 227Band identified in FIG. 6 by the reference numeral 201B.

FIG. 7 illustrates a simplified control system for the tool transferapparatus of FIG. 6, the illustrated portions of the tool transferapparatus including the toolholder matrix 224 and the receptacle ortransfer locations 227A and 227B with their associated record members atpositions 201A and 2013 in alignment with the transducers 211A and 211B.In this instance the transducer 211A is connected to a data storage unit231 and the transducer 211B is connected to a similar data storage unit232. These data storage units may be similar to the storage devices 131and 132 in the previously described embodiments. The control circuitsfor the data storage units are identified by the reference numeral 233.In addition, each of the data storage devices 231 and 232 is connectedto a coincidence logic circuit 235.

The coincidence logic unit 235 includes an additional input circuit thatis connected to a new-tool storage circuit 237. The storage unit 237, inturn, is connected to the output of a data input device 238. The datainput device 238, which may be a tape reader or the like, is alsoconnected to the control circuit unit 233 and to a tooltransfer controldevice 236 employed to actuate a stepping drive 239 and to controloperation of the transfer arm 241 (see FIG. 6).

A manual control station is also preferably employed in the embodimentof FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown in FIG. 7, this may comprise a manualtransducer 253 actuated by a manual control unit 254 and effective toactuate a visual display unit 256. The devices 253, 254 and 256 may beessentially similar to the manual control apparatus 143, 144 and 146described hereinabove.

In many respects, the operation of the system of FIGS. 6 and 7 isessentially similar to that described hereinabove for the embodimentofFIGS. 15. At the outset, tools may be loaded into the matrix 224 byindexing the matrix to position individual receptacles, in sequence, inalignment with the manual transducer 253. As each tool is loaded in thematrix 224, identification data relative thereto is recorded on theassociated record member located at the position 2M0 in FIG. 7. Each ofthe record membersis erased completely before being recorded with anytool identification data corresponding to the tool deposited into thecorresponding cartridge in the position 227C.

When the machine is placed in operation, a particular tool is called forand identified by the data input device 238. The signal from the device238 energizes the transfer control unit 236 which in turn initiatesoperation of the stepping drive 239. At the same time, the signal issupplied to the control circuit 233'which conditions one of thetransducers 211A and 211B for a sensing operation, depending upon theposition of the transfer arm 241 (see FIG. 6). To this end, a mechanicalor electrical connection may be provided from the transfer control unit236 to the .control circuit 233. Initially, it may be assumed that'thedata storage unit 231 and the transducer 211A associated therewith areselected for their use in the first dual chan e operation.

When the tool search is initiated, identification data for the-new toolare recorded in the storage circuit 237. As each tool is brought to theposition 227A, the record member 201 at the related position 201A issensed and the code data recorded thereon are supplied to the storagecircuit 231. The two groups of code data arecompared in the coincidencelogic circuit 235. The search is continued, essentially in the mannerdescribed abovein connection with FIG. 5 until the coincidence logiccircuit finds that the desired tool has been located and is positionedin the receptacle at the location 227A. At this time, the coincidencelogic circuit produces an output signal that is supplied to the tooltransfer control unit 236 to interrupt the search operation. This signalis also supplied to the control circuit 233 to interrupt the sensingoperation. The tool transfer control unit 236 also actuates the arm 241(FIG. 6) to remove the selected tool from the matrix 224 so that it willbe available for use at the work station. The control circuit 233, onthe other hand, actuates the data storage unit 231 to retain therein thepreviously sensed data identifying the tool. Thus, the tool identity ismaintained in the data storage unit 231. Thereafter, the tool transfercontrol unit 236 operates to deposit and select the tool at the toolstorage matrix and continues in operation to bring the transfer arm toits second home position.-

Subsequently, the data input device 238 initiates a second searchrelative to another new tool. This search is carried out as beforeexcept that the transducer 211B and the data storage unit 232 areemployed in the searching operation to the exclusion of and instead ofthe transducers 211A and 231. Ultimately, the desired new tool islocated and the tool transfer control 236 is actuated by the outputsignal from the coincidence logic circuit 235 to interrupt the searchand remove the new tool from the matrix. At the same time, the controlcircuit unit 233 is l3 actuated and operates to retain theidentification of the new tool in the data storage unit 232.

Thereafter, the tool transfer control unit 236 is actuated by a suitableoutput stignal from the device 238 to exchange the new tool for thatpreviously located at the work station, in accordance with the operatingcycle described hereinabove except that the direction of movement of thetransfer arm is reversed. With the old tool carried by the transfer arm,the tool transfer control brings the arm 241 to its home position andintiates a search for an empty toolholder receptacle. This may beaccomplished by using the coincidence logic circuit 235, and by clearingthe new tool storage unit 237 so that comparison can be made between theempty storage register and the output signals from the transducer 211A,which is employed to search for the empty receptacle. When an emptytoolholder receptacle is located, a suitable output signal is developedby the coincidence logic circuit and is applied to the tool transfercontrol unit to interrupt operation of the stepping drive 239 and todeposit the tool in the empty receptacle. At the same time, controlcircuit 233 is actuated to record the previously stored data present inthe storage device 231 on the record unit 261 associated with thepreviously empty receptacle. The transducer 211A is used for thispurpose in the same manner as in the embodiment described above inconnection with FIG. 5. Of course, it is necessary to efiect a clearingor erasure step prior to recording the new data. The process describedhereinabove is repeated each time that a new tool is called for by thedata input device 238.

It is thus seen that the system of FIGS 6 and 7 is also a true randomaccess system that does not require the encoding of the toolholdersthemselves. Thus, the same advantages are achieved, despite thesubstantial difference in the kind of tool transfer apparatus employedin conjunction with the control system.

Hence, while preferred embodiments of the invention have been des ribedand illustrated, it is to be understood that they are capable ofvariation and modification, and I therefore do not wish to be limited tothe precise detatils set forth, but desire to avail myself of suchchanges and alterations as fall within the purview of the followingclaims.

I claim:

1. A data control system for a mach ne of the kind comprising a toolstorage station for storing a plurality of tools, a work station, andtool transfer means for transferring tools between said stations,comprising: a plurality of individual record members, associated withrespective tool storage locations in said storage station, and eachaffording an erasable record medium for registering code dataidentifying an individuale tool in said storage station; sensing meansfor sensing the code data recorded on said record members; erasing meansfor clearing the code data from a record member upon removal of theassociated tool from said storage station; data storage means,independent of said record members, for effectively storing the codedata identifying a tool while separated from the tool storage station;means, coupled to said data storage means, for automatically recordingthe identifying code data for a given tool on one of said record membersupon transfer of the tool to the associated tool storage location insaid storage station; and control means, coupled to said sensing means,for actuating said transfer means to transfer selected tools betweensaid storage and work stations.

2. A data control system for a machine of the kind comprising a toolstorage station for storing a plurality of tools, a work station, andtool transfer means for transferring tools between said stations,comprising: a plurality of individual erasible record members associatedwith respective tool storage locations in said storage station; meansfor registering code data, on said record members, to identifyindividual tools in said storage station; sensing means for sensing thecode data recorded on said record members; data storage means,independent of said record members, for storing the code dataidentifying a tool while separated from the tool storage station; means,coupled to said data storage means, for automatically re-recording theidentifying code data on one of said record members upon restoration ofa tool to said storage station; and control means, coupled to saidsensing means, for actuating said transfer means to transfer selectedtools between said storage and work stations.

3. A data control system for a machine of the kind comprising a toolstorage matrix for storing a plurality of tools, a work station, andtool transfer means for transferring tools therebetween, comprising: aplurality of individual erasable record members, mounted in said storagematrix at respective tool storage locations therein and each affording adata register for code data identifying an individual tool; sensingmeans for sensing the code data recorded on said record members; datastorage means, independent of said record members, for effectivelystoring the code data identifying a tool while separated from thestorage matrix; means, coupled to said data storage means, forautomatically recording the identifying code data for a given tool onone of said record members upon transfer of the tool to the associatedtool storage location in said matrix; and control means, coupled to saidsensing means, for actuating said transfer means to transfer selectedtools between said storage matrix and said work station.

4. A data control system for a machine of the kind comprising a toolstorage matrix for storing a plurality of tools and for moving saidtools to a transfer position, a work station, and tool transfer meansfor transferring tools between said work station and said transferposition, comprising: a plurality of individual erasable record membersmounted at respective tool storage locations in said matrix; means forregistering code data, on said record members, to identify individualtools in said matrix; sensing means for sensing the code data from theone of said record members located at said transfer position; erasingmeans for clearing the code data from a record member upon removal ofthe associated tool from said matrix; data storage means, independent ofsaid record members, for effectively storing the code data identifying atool while separated from the storage matrix; means coupled to saidstorage means, for automatically re-recording the identifying code dataon one of said record members upon restoration of each tool to saidmatrix; and control means, coupled to said sensing means, for actuatingsaid transfer means to transfer selected tools between said storage andwork stations.

5. A data control system for a machine of the kind comprising a toolstorage station for storing a plurality of tools, a work station, andtool transfer means for transferring tools between said stations,comprising: a plurality of individual magnetizable record members,associated with respective tool storage locations in said tool storagestation; magnetic sensing means for sensing the code data recorded onsaid record member; erasing means for magnectically erasing the codedata from a record member upon removal of the associated tool from saidtool storage station; data storage means, independent of said recordmembers, for effectively storing the code data identifying a tool whileseparated from the tool storage station; means, coupled to said datastorage means, for automatically recording the identifying code data fora giventool on one of said record members upon transfer of the tool tosaid matrix; and control means, coupled to said sensing means, foractuating said transfer means to transfer selected tools between saidstorage and work stations.

6. A data control system for a machine of the kind comprising a toolstorage station for storing a plurality of tools, a work station, andtool transfer means for transferring tools between said stations,comprising: a plurality savage:

of individual erasable record members, mounted at said storage stationin association with respective tool storage locations therein; manuallyoperable means for recording code data, on said record members, toidentify individual tools in said tool storage station; sensing meansfor sensing the code data recorded on said record member; means forerasing the code data from a record member upon removal of theassociated tool from said tool storage station; storage means,independent of said record members, for effectively storing the codedata identifying a tool while separated from the tool storage station;means, coupled to said storage means, for automatically re-recording theidentifying code data on one of said record members upon restoration ofeach tool to said tool storage station; and control means, coupled tosaid sensing means, for actuating said transfer means to transferselected tools between said storage and work stations.

7. A data programmed machine tool comprising: data reading means forreading a data storage medium containing data respecting operation ofthe machine; a tool storage matrix operable in response to said readingmeans for interchanging selected tools with said machine; toolidentification means, for identifying tools for interchange, comprisinga plurality of erasable record members corresponding to individual toolstorage positions in said matrix; and means for erasing and subsequentlyre-recording the tool identification data on said record members upontransfer of tools from and to said tool storage matrix.

8. A data programmed machine tool comprising: data reading means forreading a data storage medium containing data respecting operation ofthe machine; a tool storage matrix operable in response to said readingmeans for interchanging selected tools with said machine; toolidentification means for identifying tools for interchange comprising aplurality of erasable record members corresponding to individual toolstorage positions in said matrix; means, independent of said recordmembers, for storing the tool identification data while the tool is outof the storage matrix; and means for automatically re-recording the toolidentification data for said one tool on one of said record members uponrestoration of the tool to the tool storage position corresponding tosaid one record memher.

9. A data programmed machine tool comprising: data reading means forreading a data storage medium containing data respecting operation ofthe machine; a tool storage matrix operable in response to said readingmeans for interchanging selected tools with said machine; toolidentification means for identifying tools for interchange comprising aplurality of erasable record members corresponding to individual toolstorage positions in said matrix; manualiy controllable means forregistering code data on said record members to identify individualtools; and means for subsequently re-recording the tool identificationdata on said record members upon transfer of tools from and to said toolstorage matrix.

10. A machine tool comprising: a storage matrix including individualtool receptacles for storing a plurality of different tools; acorresponding plurality of individual code members in one-for-oneassociation with said tool receptacles and each affording a re-settableregister for registering code data identifying a tool; sensing means forsensing code data on individual code members; means, actuated by saidsensing means, for transferring said tools between a work station andsaid storage matrix; and means for clearing and subsequentlyre-registering the code data identifying a given tool each time the toolis transferred to the work station and back to the storage matrix.

11. A machine tool comprising: a storage matrix including individualtool receptacles for storing a plurality of different tools; acorresponding plurality of individual code members mounted in saidmatrix in one-for-one association with said tool receptacles and eachaffording a resettable register for registering code data identifying atool; means for moving said matrix to bring said code memberssequentially to an identification location; sensing means for sensingcode data on a code member at said identification location; means,actuated by said sensing means, for transferring said tools between awork station and said identification location; and means forsubsequently re-registering the code data identifying a given tool eachtime the tool is transferred to the work station and back to the storagematrix.

12. A machine tool comprising: a storage matrix including individualtool receptacles for storing a plurality of different tools; acorresponding plurality of individual re-settable code members inone-for-one association with said tool receptacles and each affording aregister for registering code data identifying a tool; manually operablemeans for registering code data on said record members; sensing meansfor sensing code data on individual code members; means, actuated bysaid sensing means, for transferring said tools between a work stationand said storage matrix; means for clearing the code data identifying agiven tool from a record member each time the tool is transferred to thework station; data storage means, independent of said record members,for storing the code data when the tool is transferred to the workstation; and means, connected to said data storage means, forre-registering the code data on one of said code members uponre-transfer of the tool to the storage matrix.

13. A machine tool comprising: storage means comprising a plurality oftool storage receptacles for storing a plurality of different tools;data-controlled means for automatically moving said tools, inpredetermined sequence, into operating position at a work station andback to said storage means; and tool identification means comprisingindividual re-settable code registers in one-for-one association withsaid tool receptacles, each of said code registers being effective torecord code data distinguishing an associated tool from the other toolsin the storage means.

14. A machine tool comprising: storage means comprising a plurality oftool storage receptacles for storing a plurality of different tools;data-controlled means for automatically moving said tools, inpredetermined sequence, into operating position at a work station andback to said storage means; tool identification means comprisingindividual re-settable magnetic code registers mounted in said storagemeans in one-for-one association with said tool receptacles, each ofsaid code registers being effective to record code data distinguishingan associated tool from the other tools in the storage means; andmanually operable recording means for recording code data in said recordregisters.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,770,797 Hamilton Nov. 13, 1956 2,922,332 Lentz et a1. Jan. 26, 19602,988,237 Devol June 13, 1961 3,052,011 Brainard et al Sept. 4, 1962OTHER REFERENCES Planning for Manufacturing, Kearney and Trecker ManualW5-59, Scientific Library TJ 1189, K4, CZ.

1. A DATA CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A MACHINE OF THE KIND COMPRISING A TOOLSTORAGE STATION FOR STORING A PLURALITY OF TOOLS, A WORK STATION, ANDTOOL TRANSFER MEANS FOR TRANSFERRING TOOLS BETWEEN SAID STATIONS,COMPRISING: A PLURALITY OF INDIVIDUAL RECORD MEMBERS, ASSOCIATED WITHRESPECTIVE TOOL STORAGE LOCATION IN SAID STORAGE STATION, AND EACHAFFORDING AN ERASABLE RECORD MEDIUM FOR REGISTERING CODE DATAIDENTIFYING AN INDIVIDUAL TOOL IN SAID STORAGE STATION; SENSING MEANSFOR SENSING THE CODE DATA RECORDED ON SAID RECORD MEMBERS; ERASING MEANSFOR CLEARING THE CODE DATA FROM A RECORD MEMBER UPON REMOVAL OF THEASSOCIATED TOOL FROM SAID STORAGE STATION; DATA STORAGE MEANS, DEPENDENTOF SAID RECORD MEMBERS, FOR SELECTIVELY STORING THE CODE DATAIDENTIFYING A TOOL WHILE SEPARATED FROM THE TOOL STORAGE STATION; MEANS,COUPLED TO SAID DATA STORAGE MEANS, FOR AUTOMATICALLY RECORDING THEIDENTIFYING CODE DATA FOR A GIVEN TOOL ON ONE OF SAID RECORD MEMBERSUPON TRANSFER OF THE TOOL TO THE ASSOCIATED TOOL STORAGE LOCATION INSAID STORAGE STATION; AND CONTROL MEANS, COUPLED TO SAID SENSING MEANS,FOR ACTUATING SAID TRANSFER MEANS TO TRANSFER SELECTED TOOLS BETWEENSAID STORAGE AND WORK STATIONS.